Important Algal Habitat 1 – Boulder/Cobble FloorFeature consisting of 16 of 36 coastal classes from the BC Shorezone mapping system to represent a specific habitat niche for algae, in this instance coastal classes where boulders or cobble are described as a major substrate feature.

Important Algal Habitat 2 – Rocky Intertidal Substrate, Protected or Very Protected Exposure ClassesFeature consisting of 15 of 36 coastal classes from the BC Shorezone mapping system to represent a specific habitat niche for algae, in this instance Rocky Intertidal Substrate with Protected or Very Protected Exposure.

Important Algal Habitat 4 – Rocky Intertidal Substrate, Exposed or Very Exposed Exposure ClassesFeature consisting of 15 of 36 coastal classes from the BC Shorezone mapping system to represent a specific habitat niche for algae, in this instance Rocky Intertidal Substrate with Exposed or Very Exposed Exposure.

Important Algal Habitat 5 – Mudflats and Estuarine ShorelinesFeature consisting of 2 of 36 coastal classes from the BC Shorezone mapping system to represent a specific habitat niche for algae, in this instance where mudflats or estuarine shorelines are described as a major feature.

Rare Algae Series 1 – Stephanocystis geminataObservations of an algal species (Stephanocystis geminata) considered infrequent in BC. This feature includes records previously identified as Cystoseira geminata and Cystoseira spicigera.

Giant Kelp Beds (polygons)Giant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) is perennial and beds are generally found in semi-protected areas as well as some semi-exposed areas. It is not found in areas of warm water with low salinity. This feature includes records previously identified as Macrocystis integrifolia.(2 comments)

Giant Kelp BiobandGiant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) is perennial and beds are generally found in semi-protected areas as well as some semi-exposed areas. It is not found in areas of warm water with low salinity. This data layer was developed from the BC Shorezone Mapping system.(2 comments)

Bull Kelp BiobandBull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) is an annual that relies on seabed perturbation to provide opportunity for colonization. Bull kelp is not found in areas that are too sheltered nor too exposed. Its habitat is generally in deeper water. This data layer was developed from the BC Shorezone Mapping system.

EstuariesEstuaries, also known as salt marshes, are a type of coastal wetland, typically impacted by tidal fluctuations. They are found where fresh water from rivers or streams meets with salt water from the ocean, and vegetation within an estuary exhibits varying degrees of salt-water tolerance.

Ditch GrassDitch grass (Ruppia spp.) are aquatic vascular plants that can live underwater. They are commonly referred to as a type of intertidal seagrass, although it is a freshwater species with a high salt tolerance. It provides habitat and food for many species and is a indicator of coastal wetland health.

Salt Marsh BiobandExtracted from the BC Shorezone mapping system Salicornia bioband, this feature represents the Salt Marsh assemblage of marsh grasses, dune grass, sedges and other salt-tolerant herbaceous plants. Found in the supratidal and upper intertidal zones.

Eelgrass PolygonsEelgrass (Zostera marina) is a type of marine plant known as seagrass, which, unlike seaweed, contains a vascular system that transports liquid and nutrients. Eelgrass provides habitat for many species.

Priority Eelgrass HabitatEelgrass (Zostera marina) is a type of marine plant that occurs on fine sediment in the subtidal zone. This data layer shows habitat of importance to the lifecycle of herring, Great Blue Heron and Brant.

Eelgrass BiobandEelgrass (Zostera marina) is found on fine sediments (such as estuaries and mud bays) in the subtidal zone and may extend slightly upslope into the lower intertidal. It provides habitat for fish and shellfish and food for marine birds. This data layer was developed from the BC Shorezone Mapping system.

Important Invertebrate Habitat 1 – Rock Platform Submerged at High TidesFeature consisting of 2 of 36 coastal classes from the BC Shorezone mapping system to represent a specific habitat niche for invertebrates, in this instance coastal classes where rock platforms are described as a major substrate feature.

Important Invertebrate Habitat 2 – Rock Substrate with High CurrentFeature consisting of 10 of 36 coastal classes from the BC Shorezone mapping system to represent a specific habitat niche for invertebrates, in this instance coastal classes where rock is described as a major substrate feature.

Important Invertebrate Habitat 3 – Sandy Substrate in the Intertidal ZoneFeature consisting of 11 of 36 coastal classes from the BC Shorezone mapping system to represent a specific habitat niche for invertebrates, in this instance coastal classes where sand is described as a major substrate feature.

Important Invertebrate Habitat 4 – Mudflats Adjacent to EstuariesFeature consisting of 1 of 36 coastal classes from the BC Shorezone mapping system to represent a specific habitat niche for invertebrates, in this instance coastal classes where mud flat is described as a major substrate feature.

Groundfish Trawl Survey Areas and Untrawlable AreasFour areas where synoptic Groundfish Trawl surveys may be conducted in any year. Includes grid cells that have been determined untrawlable by experience over the years.

Habitat Based Estimates of Salmon ProductivityPotential productivity estimates in terms of juvenile fish abundance for seven species of salmon, by watershed. Also contains points depicting the mouths of salmon-bearing streams.

At-sea Density of Listed Marine BirdsDistribution and density of marine habitat use by birds listed by COSEWIC or listed as a global priority under the Provincial Conservation Framework, shown as at-sea density.

Rockfish Hook and Line (ZN) – CommercialEstimated catch (kilograms) for the rockfish hook and line commercial fishery (1993-2004) shown in 4km x 4km grid cells. Inside and outside rockfish are two of seven commercial groundfish fisheries on the Pacific Coast.

Schedule II – CommercialEstimated catch (kilograms) for the schedule II commercial fishery (1996-2004) shown in 4km x 4km grid cells. Lingcod and dogfish are part of Schedule II and are two of seven commercial groundfish fisheries on the Pacific Coast. Some rockfish are also caught as part of Schedule II.

Halibut – CommercialEstimated catch (pounds) by hook and line for the commercial halibut fishery provided by the IPHC from 1991-2010, mapped against IPHC statistical areas. Halibut is one of seven commercial groundfish fisheries on the Pacific Coast.

Chinook Salmon – Commercial GillnetThe map displays the number of Chinook salmon commercially caught by gillnet (2001-2007), displayed by salmon catch estimate areas. The spatial data also includes total number of boat days for years fished, although this is not displayed on the maps.(1 comment)

Chinook Salmon – Commercial SeineThe map displays the number of Chinook salmon commercially caught by seine (2001-2007), displayed by salmon catch estimate areas. The spatial data also includes total number of boat days for years fished, although this is not displayed on the maps.(1 comment)

Chinook Salmon – Commercial TrollThe map displays the number of Chinook salmon commercially caught by troll (2001-2007), displayed by salmon catch estimate areas. The spatial data also includes total number of boat days for years fished, although this is not displayed on the maps.(1 comment)

Chum Salmon – Commercial GillnetThe map displays the number of chum salmon commercially caught by gillnet (2001-2007), displayed by salmon catch estimate areas. The spatial data also includes total number of boat days for years fished, although this is not displayed on the maps.(1 comment)

Chum Salmon – Commercial SeineThe map displays the number of chum salmon commercially caught by seine (2001-2007), displayed by salmon catch estimate areas. The spatial data also includes total number of boat days for years fished, although this is not displayed on the maps.(1 comment)

Chum Salmon – Commercial TrollThe map displays the number of chum salmon commercially caught by troll (2001-2007), displayed by salmon catch estimate areas. The spatial data also includes total number of boat days for years fished, although this is not displayed on the maps.(1 comment)

Coho Salmon – Commercial GillnetThe map displays the number of coho salmon commercially caught by gillnet (2001-2007), displayed by salmon catch estimate areas. The spatial data also includes total number of boat days for years fished, although this is not displayed on the maps.(1 comment)

Coho Salmon – Commercial SeineThe map displays the number of coho salmon commercially caught by seine (2001-2007), displayed by salmon catch estimate areas. The spatial data also includes total number of boat days for years fished, although this is not displayed on the maps.(1 comment)

Coho Salmon – Commercial TrollThe map displays the number of coho salmon commercially caught by troll (2001-2007), displayed by salmon catch estimate areas. The spatial data also includes total number of boat days for years fished, although this is not displayed on the maps.(1 comment)

Pink Salmon – Commercial GillnetThe map displays the number of pink salmon commercially caught by gillnet (2001-2007), displayed by salmon catch estimate areas. The spatial data also includes total number of boat days for years fished, although this is not displayed on the maps.(1 comment)

Pink Salmon – Commercial SeineThe map displays the number of pink salmon commercially caught by seine (2001-2007), displayed by salmon catch estimate areas. The spatial data also includes total number of boat days for years fished, although this is not displayed on the maps.(1 comment)

Pink Salmon – Commercial TrollThe map displays the number of pink salmon commercially caught by troll (2001-2007), displayed by salmon catch estimate areas. The spatial data also includes total number of boat days for years fished, although this is not displayed on the maps.(2 comments)

Sockeye Salmon – Commercial GillnetThe map displays the number of sockeye salmon commercially caught by gillnet (2001-2007), displayed by salmon catch estimate areas. The spatial data also includes total number of boat days for years fished, although this is not displayed on the maps.(1 comment)

Sockeye Salmon – Commercial SeineThe map displays the number of sockeye salmon commercially caught by seine (2001-2007), displayed by salmon catch estimate areas. The spatial data also includes total number of boat days for years fished, although this is not displayed on the maps.(1 comment)

Sockeye Salmon – Commercial TrollThe map displays the number of sockeye salmon commercially caught by troll (2001-2007), displayed by salmon catch estimate areas. The spatial data also includes total number of boat days for years fished, although this is not displayed on the maps.(1 comment)

Anadromous Fish – SportfishAreas where recreational (sport) fishing for salmon and other anadromous finfish occurs, identified by participants in 19 local and regional Sport Fishing Advisory Board meetings, as well as through other local knowledge.

Groundfish – SportfishAreas where recreational (sport) fishing for bottom fish (primarily halibut, lingcod and rockfish) occurs, identified by participants in 19 local and regional Sport Fishing Advisory Board meetings, as well as through other local knowldge.

Crab – SportfishAreas where recreational (sport) fishing for crab occurs, identified by participants in 19 local and regional Sport Fishing Advisory Board meetings, as well as through other local knowledge.

Prawn and Shrimp – SportfishAreas where recreational (sport) fishing by trap for prawn and shrimp occurs, identified by participants in 19 local and regional Sport Fishing Advisory Board meetings, as well as through other local knowledge.

Commercial and Industrial UseCommercial, light and heavy industrial, commercial docks and energy production Crown land tenures in the coastal and marine areas of BC as of October 2012. Log handling mapped separately.

UtilitiesUtility Crown land tenures that overlap marine areas of BC as of October 2012. Includes telecommunication lines, submerged power lines, sewer effluent lines, oil and gas pipelines, water lines, and transmission line tenures issued for waterpower purposes.

Environmental TenuresCrown land tenures that overlap with the marine issued for conservation and environmental use as of October 2012. Purposes include environmental protection and conservation, fish and wildlife management, research, and local or regional parks.

Maritime ZonesThe six maritime zones in the Canadian Pacific that are recognized by the Canadian government, including the internal waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), continental shelf and high seas.

Disposal at Sea SitesDisposal at Sea sites are locations where the disposal of materials is permitted. Most of the disposed material comes from dredging operations performed to ensure the navigability of harbours and shipping channels.